WBCQ Propagation Models
The propagation studies presented here were generated using the VOACAP software suite, a free professional HF prediction program from NTIA/ITS,originally developed for Voice of America (VOA).
For each of WBCQ’s four shortwave services, a propagation prediction chart was generated for each hour the service is authorized to broadcast by the FCC. All times listed are in coordinated universal time (UTC).
Signal coverage is shown in a full color graphical display over a map of North America. The median field strength in dBu is shown. Higher numbers translate to a stronger signal. Just beacuse a particular region is not shown in the signal coverage map, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that service cannot be heard there. Shortwave signal propagation varies depending on solar conditions. A solar storm or geomagnetic disturbance can enhance or degrade shortwave signal coverage in a particular area.
To give you a visual representation of how shortwave propagation varies depending on the time of day, we combined each hour’s propagation prediction charts together in an animation.
These charts were generated for June, 2010.